It was all Greek for students who came face-to-face with Hartlepool United's star goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos.

The Year 9 pupils, from five Hartlepool secondary schools, are learning all about Greece before jetting out there for a 10-day study tour in July.

And to give them the low down on Greek culture and lifestyle a special meeting was arranged with Dimi at Hartlepool United Football Club.

It gave the young people an early opportunity to meet a Greek man who has made a special place for himself in Hartlepool's daily life.

The 28-year-old keeper arrived at Hartlepool United in 2003 and quickly established himself as a favourite with Pools fans. Last December he was named League Two Player of the Month.

Karen Adams, co-ordinator of the Gifted and Talented initiative in Hartlepool, said: "We're very grateful to Dimi for taking the time to meet the young people and give them his unique perspective on his home country."

Dimi, currently celebrating his team's promotion to League One, said he had been looking forward to meeting the students.

"I am sure they will have a great time when they visit in July," he said.

"It's too bad that we'll probably be back in pre-season training by then or else I may have been tempted to go with them!"

The students' three month Greek studies are part of a project called the Olympic Summer School, funded by the Government's Excellence In Cities Gifted and Talented scheme to develop the learning and creativity of young people. Schools taking part are Brierton, English Martyrs, High Tunstall, Manor College of Technology and St Hild's.